"Furious" - Southampton FC warned against Shea Charles transfer exit amid Leeds United interest | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on Leeds United's interest in Shea Charles.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles is reportedly gaining transfer interest from Leeds United this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, the 21-year-old is admired by the Whites following his stint on loan with Sheffield Wednesday last season.

Charles signed for the Saints in the summer of 2023, arriving from Manchester City in a deal worth a reported £10.5 million, potentially rising to £15 million.

However, he spent last season with the Owls, where he made 43 Championship appearances in Danny Rohl’s side as they finished 12th in the table.

Southampton handed clear Shea Charles transfer verdict

When asked about Leeds’ interest in Charles, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, claimed that the midfielder must not be sold this summer.

He believes any deal would have to cost upwards of £20 million, but that new manager Will Still should instead be building his side around the Northern Ireland international.

“For me, Shea Charles is a must keep,” Sanders told Football League World.

“He went out to Sheffield Wednesday last season to develop and get him ready for the Southampton first team.

“Russell Martin failed to trust him in the campaign before. I think he’s a brilliant talent. Southampton spent a lot of money on him, £10.5 million two summers ago, that could be potentially rising to £15 million.

“But Charles has everything that we need in our side next season. He can play in the six, but he can play a little bit further forward.

“I don’t think he’s actually played in the position that suits him, and that’s not sitting in the pivot as a six. I’d like to see him have a bit more freedom.

“I think under new manager Will Still, I think you build your team around people like Shea Charles. He’s young, athletic, he’s everything you need, and I will be furious if we went and sold him this summer.

“Like I say, we paid £10.5 million for him. You’d be looking at £20 million upwards, but I don’t believe they’re selling.”

Southampton are preparing for life back in the Championship after finishing bottom of the Premier League table last season.

Charles could be key to Southampton’s promotion push

We have yet to see what Still’s plans are for this Southampton side, but it’s easy to imagine Charles being at the centre of it.

He was a key player for Sheffield Wednesday last season in the Championship, where he proved himself more than capable of being a star player at this level.

A move to Leeds would be a step up, but there are no guarantees he would play regularly in Daniel Farke’s side in the Premier League, whereas he will surely be playing every week at St. Mary’s next season.

He is someone Southampton should do everything they can to keep for the time being, especially as his value could increase even further if he plays an important part in a successful promotion season this year.